Bar Red's Redemption Extra

c l e m e n t i n e. 32

“He’s never hurt you, though. The world has, but not him. Maybe the world deserved to be destroyed.”
― N.K. Jemisin

clementine
chapter 32

"You're his?" Conway laughed, eyes widening as humor gets through his tone. "Wow! Didn't expect that. Doesn't he know how to treat you? On a leash, not letting that mouthy attitude of yours to slip out, bitch?"

Doesn't he know how to treat you?

The words ring in Clementine's head. Of course her brute knows how to treat her— he's always treated her like nothing but a personal, flirty, gentleman.

Clementine could tell that although Bar was broken, he was more kind than anyone else expected, and he showed it in his behavior towards her.

She always saw him as an unknown King— everyone listens to him, everyone does as he says, everyone respects him one way or another.

Bar does not demand respect. He conducts himself in such a way as to be worthy of respect.

He doesn't not bark commands. His presence is such that he can intimidate and command with nothing more than a glance.

He might swear, but Bar does not raise his voice. He is the kind of man who gets what he wants without needing to.

Nor is Bar a braggart like so many other guys.

Bar is possessed of a calm, quiet confidence that is evident in his demeanor, the way he walks, the tone of his voice, and all other aspects of him.

And also in Bar's glare or dead-set eyes warning anyone who gets too close to her to get the fuck away before he makes them.

It makes Clementine feel safe.

Bar also understands balance. He knows that while a firm hand and discipline are critical in any form of leadership, he knows when to be gentle and understanding is every bit as important.

Bar is a gentleman first and foremost.

That doesn't mean that he is a fancy man who values the finer things in life— Clementine knew first hand that he did not— but he does understand manners and kindness.

He opens the car door for her.

He orders for her if she is having trouble deciding.

He treats strangers with courtesy and respect, even if they don't give it to him.

Bar earned her love.

It is not a thing to be demanded, expected, or assumed. And he continues to earn it, each and every day.

And Bar appreciated her completely. Fully giving someone your heart and trusting your body and well-being to someone takes a kind of strength most can't imagine, and Bar never loses sight of that.

He never devalued her; never belittles her.

Bar, to Clementine, always seemed like he would literally give up his own life into her hands— that's how much he seemed to trust her.

Bar, silently, has accepted the most scary and important things she has accidentally shown him and he never asked. He never pushes her.

He is taking her burdens and bearing them as his own, always, every day.

Bar is consistent. He understands that he can't just be her protector, lover, confidante, or boyfriend, whenever he feels like it because he already has the titles.

Bar always, always cared for her.

And Clementine noticed that there are days when Bar is tired. Days when he is stressed. Days when he is hurt.